Motorcycle fluid drive



Oct. 16, 1945. A OHNSON 2,387,076

MOTORCYCLE FLUID DRIVE Filed May 5, 1943 2 sheefs -sheet 2 v IINVE'NTOR.

AITCI RNEYS Patented Oct. 16, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

My invention relates to motorcycles, and ineludes among its objects and advantages the provision of an improved fluid drive or coupling of relatively simple and durable construction adapted to be incorporated in the rear wheel hub structure without necessitating changes in the motor or alteration in its installation. 7

Motorcycles are difficult to handle in slow speeds and in congested traffic because of their tendency to ride unevenly and also because of necessary shifting. Chains are frequently broken and the motor is often excessively loaded.

The present invention eliminates the necessity of shifting under variable and difficult slow speed trafiic conditions, prevents damage to the chain and eliminates excessive loads on the motor, in addition to giving the vehicle smoother riding qualities.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure l is a side view of the rear wheel of a motor cycle showing my invention incorporated therein.

Figure 2 is a sectional view through the wheel and its hub structure.

Figure 3 is a face View of an impeller, and

Figure 4 is a face view of the runner coacting with the impeller.

In the embodiment of vthe invention selected for illustration, I make use of a tubular axle I through which is extended a bolt l2 which serves as a mount for the frame members I l. Upon the axle H] are mounted two tapered bearings l6 which rotatably support coaxial hub parts 18 and 20 of tubular formation. The chain sprocket 22 is mounted on the hub part l 8 and fixed thereto by a, nut 2d threaded on the hub part to clamp the sprocket against a shoulder 26 formed on the hub part.

A fluid drive housing 28 is carried by the hub part 2B. This housing comprises sections 38 and 32, the section 36 and the hub part2!) being of one-piece construction. An annular flange 36 defines the perimeter of the plate section 30, while the section 32 includes an annular flange 36 fitted inside the flange 34 and fixed thereto by bolts 38. A rim as for supporting the tire 52 is welded to a rib A l formed on the flange 34.

The section 32 is provided with an annular flange ea arranged coaxially with the hub part l8 but of larger diameter to accommodate a seal 48 lying against an angular face 50 on the section 32. This seal is maintained in sealing engagement with the hub part it and the flange 46 by a pressure nut 52 threaded into the flange 46.

To the hub part if: is fixedly connected an impeller d comprising a plate or disk 56 formed integrally with the hub part and provided with radial vanes 58 attached edgewise to the plate 56 and endwise to the hub part l8. To the section 28 is connected a runner 66 comprising vanes 82 attached edgewise and endwise to the section 28 and endwise to the hub part 20. A thrust bearing 6 is interposed between the hub parts i8 and 20 to maintain the two sets of vanes 53 and 62 in proper spaced relationship for efiicient coaction with respect to the liquid contained in the housing 28. Seals 66 are also interposed between the hub parts l8 and 26 to prevent leakage of liquid from the housing.

A brake drum 68 is formed integrally with the section 39, the brake structure being old and forming no part of the present invention, with the exception of the association of the brake drum with the housing 28.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully explain my invention, that others may, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service.

I claim:

1. In a motorcycle drive wheel, the combination of first and second hub parts, means supporting the hub parts for coaxial relative rotary movement, a driving means for the first hub part, a tire mounted on said second hub part, a fluid coupling operatively connecting the first and sec- 0nd hub parts, a frame mount extending through said first and second hub parts, and bearings interposed between the hub parts and said frame mount.

2. In a motorcycle drive wheel, the combination of first and second hub parts, means supporting the hub parts for coaxial relative rotary movement, a driving means for the first hub part, a tire mounted on said second hub part, a fluid coupling operatively connecting the first and second hub parts, a frame mount extending through said first and second hub parts, bearings interposed between the hub parts and said frame mount, and a thrust bearing interposed between the first and second hub parts.

3. In a motorcycle drive wheel, the combination of first and second hub parts, means supporting the hub parts for coaxial relative rotary movement, a driving means for the first hub part, a tire mounted on said second hub part, a fluid coupling operatively connecting the first and second hub parts, a frame mount extending through said first and second hub parts, bearings interposed between the hub parts and said frame mount, a thrust bearing interposed between the first and second hub parts, and a sealing means between the first and second hub parts.

CARLE A. JOHNSON. 

